Most roads in my constituency are owned and maintained by the city, so traffic and other road issues are properly handled by your city councillor.

But there are two stretches of provincial highway for which I am responsible and on which I'm happy to take your calls. Within the coverage area of the Chebucto News, "my" provincial road is Northwest Arm Drive from Main Avenue down to the Old Sambro Road.

Recently I met with Department of Transportation officials to review a variety of issues. One of those issues is potential improvements to Northwest Arm Drive.

The problem is not the condition of the road. Northwest Arm Drive was repaved recently with a "foamed asphalt" technology that is common elsewhere but new to Nova Scotia. The road surface is holding up well.

The main issue on Northwest Arm Drive is the intersection of Northwest Arm Drive with Walter Havill Drive and Albert Walker Drive.

Northwest Arm Drive is a controlled-access highway designed to be a collector road. The speed limit (80 km/h) is higher than normal on city streets, and many vehicles are travelling considerably faster than the speed limit. When speeding cars meet the Walter Havill/Albert Walker intersection, it's a recipe for collisions.

This intersection was created primarily to serve residents of the new Stoneridge subdivision. If there are problems now, they're only going to worsen when the subdivision is fully developed and the new condominium building is full.

In a great example of civil responsibility, Stoneridge resident Jim Connolly has taken the issue by the horns and has spent a considerable amount of time surveying his neighbourhood. As relayed to me by Jim, there are four main concerns.

First, making a left turn from Northwest Arm Drive eastbound onto Walter Havill Drive is risky. Oncoming traffic can be obscured by vehicles waiting to make a left-hand turn from onto Albert Walker Drive. Also, the bend in Northwest Arm Drive creates something of an optical illusion where approaching vehicles seem to be moving slower than is actually the case. Solution: a dedicated left-turn light.

Second, when exiting Walter Havill, it can be difficult to determine whether drivers entering the intersection from Albert Walker Drive are intending to turn left or go straight. Solution: a dedicated left-turn lane.

Third, the speed limit on Norhtwest Arm Drive is too high. In particular, vehicles turning right from Cowie Hill Drive, Osborne Drive or Walter Havill Drive are moving much slower than the 80 km/h limit, creating a hazard for everyone involved. Solution: lower the speed limit.

Fourth, the duration of the traffic signal allowing access in and out of Walter Havill Drive seems too short. Solution: Study traffic volumes and adjust the time if appropriate.

Six months ago, the provincial Department of Transportation promised to study these concerns. Four months ago, we were told the study had been extended to all of Northwest Arm Drive. Two months ago, we were informed the study was complete and was being reviewed by management. A couple of weeks ago I met with senior DOT officials and expressed my concern that residents' concerns about Northwest Arm Drive were not being addressed in a more timely way. I received every indication from these senior officials that they understand the need to address residents' concerns.

I will continue to keep a close eye on progress, and I will inform residents living near Northwest Arm Drive of any developments.

In the meantime, I want to publicly acknowledge the excellent work done by Jim Connolly to get the ball rolling.

If you have any other Northwest Arm Drive issues, please let me know.